Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Dog Breed | Aggressive Dog or Pet - Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Like 1 Dislike 0 Published on 15 May 2017
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog - Dog Breed
The Breed History
Thought to have been brought by the Romans to the Alps, these dogs and those of the Swiss Sennenhund group derive from Mastiff type dogs (Mollasian or Molloser). The Greater Swiss Mountain dog is the oldest and the largest of the Swiss working dogs. It was not until 1908 that the breed was rescued from a slow decline; first registrations occurred in the Swiss Kennel Club a few years later. Numbers did not rebound until well after the Second World War. This breed contributed to the development of the Rottweiler and Saint Bernard. The Bernese Mountain dog is also related. First specimens were exported to America in 1967. The AKC first accepted Swiss Mountain dogs into the studbook in 1993, with full breed recognition assigned in 1995.
Breeding for Function
This was an all purpose farm dog bred to help with herding, droving, guarding, and draft (cart pulling etc.).
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: female 23.5-27" (59.5-68.5 cm), male 25.5-28.5" (65-72.5 cm)
Weight: females 85-110 lb (38.5-50 kg), males 115-140 lb (53.5-63.4 kg).
Coat: Double coated, the inner coat is thick and short, the outer coat is dense and hard ( 2" long). Coat color is a tri-color; a base of black with rust and white markings. Symmetrical rust markings of brows, cheek and chest, on the four legs and tail, with white highlights of muzzle and blaze are standard. On the chest, a cross, and the tail tip and feet white markings are also important; also on the neck a collar marking is permitted.
Longevity: 7-9 years
Points of Conformation: Being a powerful draft dog, the constitution is that of a heavily muscled and boned dog. The skull is broad and flat, and the muzzle is blunt, and there are only minor flews. The medium-sized ears are triangular with rounded tips, and are high-set and folded so that the ears lay close to the head. Eyes are dark brown with a gentle expression, and they are medium in size, with closely fitting black palpebral margins. The nose is also black. The neck is moderate in length and muscularity, without throatiness. The topline is level, and the thorax is deep with well-sprung ribs. The tail reaches the tarsus and is carried low at rest, though during exercise it is elevated to topline. Legs are straight boned, feet are round and the toes are well arched. Rear dewclaws are generally removed. Gait should reflect power and be ground covering, and for their size this breed is very agile.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed characteristics include: Bold, faithful, willing worker, alert, vigilant, can be argumentative with other dogs (especially inter-male aggression) though he is gentle with people. Not suitable for apartment living. During shedding, grooming needs are high, but the rest of the year the Swissy requires brushing only once or twice per week. They are slow to mature and these dogs require close human contact. The Swissy tends to be slow in housetraining. Needs suitable work or play to prevent boredom. He requires early socialization and obedience training and has moderate exercise needs. Low exercise intensity is recommended until skeletal maturity. The Swissy has a well-developed alarm barking tendency (and a very loud, booming bark) and strong guarding instinct. His strong prey drive may mean that small pets are seen as prey. Some dogs have a tendency to dominance. Due to their size and strength, they are generally very strong on the leash and as such, may be best for experienced dog owners, and in homes with older children. Not considered ideal for a seniors due to size and strength. These dogs have poor tolerance of high ambient temperatures.
Normal Physiologic Variations
Breeding females can have difficulty whelping, and may require a Cesarean section.
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
Inherited Diseases
Hip Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing degenerative joint disease and hip arthritis. OFA reports 19.1% affected.
Elbow Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing elbow arthritis. OFA reports 11.3% affected.
Patella Luxation: Polygenically inherited laxity of patellar ligaments, causing luxation, lameness, and later degenerative joint disease. Treat surgically if causing clinical signs. OFA reports 0.5% affected.
Disease Predispositions
Distichiasis: Abnormally placed eyelashes that irritate the cornea and conjunctiva. Can cause secondary corneal ulceration. Identified in 31.82% of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs CERF examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.